Scientists identify Tylosaurus rex - new giant mosasaur from 80-million-year-old Texas fossils
Scientists just identified Tylosaurus rex, a new species of mosasaur, from 80 million year old fossils found in Texas. The 43 foot ocean predator had finely serrated teeth rarely seen in its family. The holotype fossil was discovered near Dallas in 1979 and sat in museum drawers
Scientists just identified Tylosaurus rex, a new species of mosasaur, from fossils discovered in Texas. The 43 foot ocean predator ruled the seas about 80 million years ago, making it roughly twice the length of a modern great white shark. It had finely serrated teeth that are rarely seen in its mosasaur family. The holotype fossil was found near Dallas in 1979 and sat in museum drawers for decades before researchers recognised it as its own species. The work was led by the American Museum of Natural History, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Southern Methodist University. The species was named in tribute to paleontologist John Thurmond, who first suspected the giant Texas tylosaurs were unique. Fossils also showed evidence of unusually violent combat within the species, including one specimen nicknamed the Black Knight with a missing snout tip and a fractured lower jaw. Sources: ScienceDaily, EurekAlert, Live Science, Sci News, Phys.org, Perot Museum.